Device for the improvement of the directional guidance of skis

ABSTRACT

A device for the improvement of the guidance of a pair of skis, the device comprising an upstanding ridge means disposed on the upper surface of the forward portion of each ski directly along the edge thereof nearest to the adjoining ski of the pair whereby, lateral guidance of skis, particularly of skis having small thickness, is greatly improved and their superimposition or crossing during running is obviated.

United States Patent Jurg M.R1s l nzenwlestrasse 2, Zollikon, Switzerland [21] AppLNo. 825,622

[72} lnventor [22] Filed May 19, 1969 [45] Patented Aug. 24, 1971 [32] Priority Mar. 13, 1969 [33] Switzerland [31] 3828/69 [54] DEVICE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE DIRECTIONAL GUIDANCE 0F SKIS 2 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

[52 us. 0.. 1 1; i511 m. a A63c 5/06 280/1 1,

[50] FleldofSearch 11.37E,l1.13Z

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,230,235 2/1941 Davisson 280/1 1.13 (Z) 2,625,405 1/1953 Staff 280/1 1.37 (E) 3,295,860 1/1967 Von Hoven 280/11.13 (Z) Primary Examiner-Leo F riaglia Assistant ExaminerMi1ton 1. Smith Attorney-Wemer W. Kleeman PATENTED'AUBZMBH 3,601,421

Fig.5

[1 I0 5' W INVENTOR Jake M /P/: W

ATTORNEY J DEVICE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE DIRECTIONAL GUIDANCE OF SKIS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The instant invention generally relates to the skis and particularly concerns a device for improving the directional guidance of skis.

As is known, the trend in the manufacture of skis is towards reducing the ski thickness. Whereas earlier skis of a relatively great thickness were manufactured by gluing together a number of layers of wood so as to provide a desirable degree of stability combined with essential flexibility, the introduction of new manufacturing techniques and particularly the innovation of metal skis has led to the possibility of producing skis having materially less thickness without accompanying impairment of either stability or elasticity.

In spite of the great progress made in ski manufacture as represented by the above improvements, the reduction of ski thickness has entailed a certain disadvantage particularly as concerns a deterioration in lateral ski guidance. As a result, with skis of reduced thickness there are more frequent falls involving superimposed or crossed skis. By reason of the reduced or smaller thickness of the skis, lateral resistance of the same is comparatively small and minor impacts against irregularities in the ground or areas of hardness are sufiicient to deflect the ski from its path and impair its guidance parallel to its neighboring ski.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, a need exists in the art for the provision of a means by which lateral guidance of skis, particularly skis having low thickness is improved and their superimposition or crossing during running is obviated. It is the primary object of the instant invention to satisfy this need. Additionally, the instant invention contemplates the satisfaction of this need by the provision of such a means which functions in the manner above-described without altering the properties of stability or elasticity of the skis themselves. 7

These objects as well as other objects which will become apparent as the description proceeds, are implemented by the instant invention which is characterized by the provision of a device for improving the guidance of a pair of skis, the device comprising an upstanding ridge means positioned on the upper surface of the forward portion of each ski directly along the edge thereof nearest to the adjoining ski of the pair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention itself as well as further advantageous features thereof will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of preferred inventive embodiments, such description making reference to the appended sheet of drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of two skis fitted with a device manufactured in accordance with the instant invention for improving the ski guidance;

FIG. 2 depicts a sectional view taken through the forward portion of a ski with the device for improving the ski guidance in accordance with the instant invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a variant of the inventive device;

FIG. 4 depicts a further variant of the inventive device; and,

FIG. 5 depicts a still further variant of the device constructed in accordance with the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS Initially, it is to be understood that the instant invention is based upon the consideration that-it is possible to improve the guidance of a pair of skis by the provision of an upstanding ridge means disposed on the upper surface of the ski itself. As best seen in FIG. 1, it is sufficient for such ridge means to occupy only a relatively short length of the forward portion of each ski and to be located at the edge closest or adjacent to the adjoining ski. Again referring to FIG. 1, two such upstanding ridge means denoted by reference numerals 1 and 2 are illustrated positioned on the forward portion of the skis just prior to the transition to the swept-up point thereof.

The upstanding ridge means of the instant invention preferably comprises a profile bar which may be of square cross section and may be affixed integrally to the upper surface of the ski along the entire length of the ridge means. As the upper surface of most skis consists of a plastic sheathing, it is advisable to likewise construct the ridge means from a suitable plastic material and to bond it to the plastic sheathing of the ski. Because the local concentration of material is relatively small, the performance of the ski itself will not be altered or impaired unless such alteration is so desired.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a sectional view of a profile bar comprising the upstanding ridge means is illustrated and, in this embodiment, the profile bar denoted by reference numeral 3 is disposed flush with the edge of the ski. As depicted in FIG. 3, a further variant of the instant invention may be undertaken in which the profile bar now denoted by reference numeral 5 forming the upstanding ridge partially projects beyond the edge of the ski 6.

Now, by referring to FIG. 4, a further variant of the profile bar forming the upstanding ridge means is illustrated. Here, the ridge means consists of individual profile bars 7 between which interstitial spaces 8 are provided. The effect of this type of ridge means is practically the same as that of one of a continuous profile bar and here, too, superimposition or crossing of the skis during running is obviated. The interstitial spaces 8 enable the influence on the performance of the ski to be still further reduced.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a still further variant of the profile bar forming the upstanding ridge means of the instant invention is depicted. A profile bar 9, which preferably is flexible, is constructed to include an eyelet 10 at each end thereof to take up a suitable hook l1 fixed to the upper surface of the ski. By reason of this construction, the profile bar 9 can, if necessary, be removed from the ski itself. In spite of the fact that no rigid connection between the upstanding ridge means and the ski exists, this inventive interarrangement also serves to improve the guidance of the skis and further obviates crossing or superimposition thereof.

The upstanding ridge means provided on the upper surface of the ski as described above and as comprising the instant invention, represents an extremely simple means of attaining a significant improvement in the guidance of skis and consequently in safety during ski-running. The particular achievement of this novel technique is that the skis no longer cross or become superimposed during running. Additionally, and as should be apparent, the upstanding ridge means can either be provided by the ski manufacturer or can be subsequently fitted on the skis by the users thereof.

As should now be apparent, the objects initially set forth at the outset of this specification have been successfully achieved.

I claim:

1. A device for the improvement of the guidance of a pair of skis, each ski including a forward portion possessing an upwardly directed tip, said device comprising an upstanding ridge means disposed on the upper surface of the forward portion of each ski rearwardly of the upwardly directed tip thereof and directly along an edge thereof nearest to the adjoining ski of the pair, and means for securing each of said ridge means to each ski such that the elastic properties of the skis remain practically unchanged, each of said ridge means comprising a plurality of upstanding members attached to one ski of the pair in tandem spaced relationship along said edge, the height of each of said members being no greater than the thickness of the ski to which it is attached, said ridge means counteracting the tendency of the skis during skiing to cross one another without impairing parallel travel of the skis.

skis remain practically unchanged, each of said ridge means comprising an elongated member, means adjacent each end of said ridge member for detachably and flexibly securing said ridge member therebetween adjacent to the upper surface of its associated ski, said ridge means counteracting the tendency of the skis during skiing to cross one another without impairing parallel travel of the skis. 

1. A device for the improvement of the guidance of a pair of skis, each ski including a forward portiOn possessing an upwardly directed tip, said device comprising an upstanding ridge means disposed on the upper surface of the forward portion of each ski rearwardly of the upwardly directed tip thereof and directly along an edge thereof nearest to the adjoining ski of the pair, and means for securing each of said ridge means to each ski such that the elastic properties of the skis remain practically unchanged, each of said ridge means comprising a plurality of upstanding members attached to one ski of the pair in tandem spaced relationship along said edge, the height of each of said members being no greater than the thickness of the ski to which it is attached, said ridge means counteracting the tendency of the skis during skiing to cross one another without impairing parallel travel of the skis.
 2. A device for the improvement of the guidance of a pair of skis, each ski including a forward portion possessing an upwardly directed tip, said device comprising an upstanding ridge means disposed on the upper surface of the forward portion of each ski rearwardly of the upwardly directed tip thereof and directly along an edge thereof nearest to the adjoining ski of the pair, and means for securing each of said ridge means to each ski such that the elastic properties of the skis remain practically unchanged, each of said ridge means comprising an elongated member, means adjacent each end of said ridge member for detachably and flexibly securing said ridge member therebetween adjacent to the upper surface of its associated ski, said ridge means counteracting the tendency of the skis during skiing to cross one another without impairing parallel travel of the skis. 